This is how to make a sequel to a dissapointing original.
Story
You start the game as Desmond Miles who is going to see the old days of the assassin Ezio Auditore through a machine called the Animus.
The main focus is on Ezio whose father was hung and killed at an excution whilist he was away. Ezio finds an assassins outfit and must eliminate all the main leaders of certain cites throughout Italy.
Gameplay
You get a map and certain symbols that mean certain things and if you want to know you can always pause the game and put the Legend up so you know what is what and another good thing is if you want to go somewhere your marker will tell you how far it is once you exited and tell you if you are going towards or away from it.
You gameplay mainly focuses on stealth,fighting,climbing and a few puzzles. You tackle like certain mission and are rewarded with cash to buy weapons,armour,paintings,upgrades and medicines to help you. You can loot virtually anyone on the street of whenever you are and also keep an eye out for chest which contain money as well.
You weapons range from the likes of swords,hammer,daggers,smoke bombs and even a pistol late in the game.All come in very good use and they can cost alot as you get later into the game. Also as you progress further into the game the enemies will be tougher to kill and wield more devasting weapons. You can kill enemies loads of ways in the game and when you get to see it up close it becomes so satisfying.
When you are spotted in the game you have options whether to flee or fight. If you flee your marker in the corner will tell you if they are close to getting you if its not flashing its good to continue. The best hiding places are either rooftops or haystacks and sometimes you can blend in with other people. You can though knock enemies of rooftops,stealth kill them and even send them into the water.
Also in the game some people can be hired to aid you in battle and there are people talking about you but if you pay them cash it will stop dropping your Noterity meter. Ripping off posters also helps.
Also you don't just do missions you can collect up to 100 feathers for a relative of yours,invest in such things like Tailors,Doctors and stuff. Also they are Codex which become important for very late in the game.
Now are there any negatives about the game. One problem I do have is that sometimes a certain person or object is not always shown on the map like say a Doctor. Another thing is some enemies can be a pain if you don't have the right equipment. Like say you could have 7 on you at once but that could possibly be ignored. It also seems some sections can be done on a first try espically detection missions or tailing missions.
Presentation
The game designers really captured some of the locations in Italy really well and they make the game stand out. It's not the best looking but boy it certainly is a good job done. Also the music feels like its from that type of era too.
Lastability
It's a pretty long game a good 20 hours for the main quest or so plus all the collectibles this will keep you very busy so probably your looking at 30 hours of playtime for 100% completion
Overall Opinion
Assassins Creed 2 is a massive improvement over the first game because it irons out all the problems that plagued it. The combat and hiding are so much better. A better story and a much better experience plus plenty to do once the main story has been beaten. One fine achievement.
Overall Score 9.4.